Anchor Tongueing / TCE - is it really this easy?

[Shipham_Player]

I've been doing method safari's for a while and settled on doing the Knevitt Ultra-crash course recently as it seems a very measured approach and builds strength long-term.

Whilst this is proving to be a valuable tool for structured practice, last week I started trying out a more forward tongue position (on a whim) and seem to have hit upon something that works for me. Not full TCE method with Spitbuzz etc but definately more forward.

If I place my tongue tip either just touching the back of my bottom teeth (I believe this is called anchor tongueing?) or between my lips (more TCE like?) I find I can play much more relaxed and my sound seems to be a lot 'clearer' (sorry for rubbish description - that's what it sounds like to me).

My endurance has been transformed within a week - I can just go through my Knevitt exercises / Clarkes etc for 30 minutes without feeling like I've played anything at all. Pretty much up to high C doesn't feel any strain like this. And articulation seems far clearer and easy. After 30 years of straining/blowing hard above the stave it's just plain weird to me.

I recorded myself (just using my phone) and there is definately a difference in my sound this way - even my wife can tell the difference and she usually hasn't a clue if I've switched mouthpieces/horns etc.

Anyone else had this experience?. I've got 4 gigs in 4 nights from tomorrow and will be seeing how this works on the job.
_________________
Eclipse Enigma
Benson Brevette 1950 Flugel
Curry 3C Custom, Bach 3C, HT Jazz

[Peter Bond]

If its easier, and you sound better, it's right.
I would advise not articulating between the lips, unless expect never to play a "legit" job (and sound like you belong there).

[EdMann]

I remember the day that I moved my tongue forward, and it changed everything. Didn't solve everything, but it changed everything. It's still a challenge to get it just right everyday, but it's the way to go.

Happily,
ed

[Shipham_Player]

First gig playing this way last night - big band playing mostly standards and me doing the 2nd chair and a few on lead.

Worked really well and found my lip didn't give out at all - in fact just as strong after 2 hours. Still a weird feeling not to be blasting and straining to get higher notes. Did find it more difficult to solo this way as tend to forget to do it when I'm improvising - my brain can't handle both at once yet!

Not so easy for muted/quiet playing - guess I'll need to work on this in practice a lot and Flugel work difficult this way at the moment (but only one Flugel number last night so not a priority).

Just nice to feel some real progress. Another gig tonight so fingers crossed.
_________________
Eclipse Enigma
Benson Brevette 1950 Flugel
Curry 3C Custom, Bach 3C, HT Jazz